Raul Reyes is up, using a walker and is in good spirits. He had been so close to death just a few days earlier.

Concerned about what he thought was a blister last week, the 26-year-old went to a clinic, where they told him he had a flesh-eating bacteria.

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Before it could spread to his bloodstream, Reyes underwent a life-changing surgery in which doctors amputated his foot. Doctors said Reyes could have died had they not.

Joseline Alfaso, Reyes' wife, said doctors believe the bacteria entered through an open would from an ingrown toenail, but they don't know where he got it. Common places for infection are salt or brackish water.

"We were like, 'No he's perfectly healthy,'" Alfaso said. "We haven't gone to the beach in a year, so it's just weird how all this happened."

Reyes, who works at West Houston Daycare, doesn't have insurance. His family wants him to have a prosthetic foot, and his sister has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money.

Reyes said he's very grateful and is ready to move forward, using a walker and other therapy as part of his daily routine. His 3-year-old students, Joseline said, help get him through.

"Sometimes I send him videos of the kids saying hi to him, and it just raises his spirits, and he wants to get back to work already and wants to be with the kids," Alfaso said.